What is Volunteers in Living Color?

The Volunteers in Living Color (VILC) committee was established in 2005 when local area volunteer professionals joined together to find ways to engage communities of color in the act of organized volunteerism. The first recruitment fair was held in April 2006 and was specifically targeted at recruiting volunteers from the African American, Hispanic and Asian communities where volunteers are traditionally under-represented in local agencies. VILC provides an opportunity for agencies to come together in a central location and present information about the volunteer opportunities that are available within their agency in an upbeat, fun and interactive way.

When is this taking place?
The 3rd Annual Volunteers in Living Color Fair will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm at Village Gate Square, 2nd Floor, 274 N Goodman St. Rochester, NY 14607.

How do I get involved?
If you are interested in having a table at the fair, please submit your name, organization and contact information to Marcia Famolaro or call ( 585) 442-2220. There is a minimal $25 participation fee for each representing organization. This fee helps to underwrite the cost of coordinating the fair. We will provide you with a 6’ table and 2 chairs, refreshments and entertainment.

What can I expect at the VILC fair?
The VILC fair is designed to be upbeat, fun and interactive. We want potential volunteers to know that not only is volunteering a great way to give back to your community, but that you can have fun at it, too. There will be:


* Past entertainers included: Black August, Ba Bes, Bharata Dance and the SWAN band to name a few.
** We thank the Girl Scouts of Genesee Valley, Wegman’s and FoodLink for their generous contributions in the past.

Nominate a volunteer for the VILC Ambassador's Award
This year VILC will award two outstanding Volunteers of Color with the first ever, VILC Ambassador’s Award. This award will be given to individuals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism. Ambassadors will have the opportunity to represent VILC in radio commercials and TV appearances. They will also receive public recognition at a press conference to be held in September. So show your volunteers that you appreciate them! Click here for the nomination form. Deadline for nominations is July 7th, 2008.

VILC Ambassador's Award Recipient
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the first VILC Ambassador's Award. We are proud to announce the first two recipients of this award are: Olga Edwards nominated by Marti Balta and Hernan Escalante nominated by Shirley Thompson.

These two outstanding Volunteers of Color exemplify the spirit of volunteerism. As ambassadors they will represent VILC in radio commercials and TV appearances. They will also receive public recognition at a press conference to be held in September.

Honorable mention also goes to:
Jean Kendrick nominated by Brigid Ryan, and Debrine Williams nominated by Anne M. Powless

What will happen at the fair?
Various agencies discussing their programs; volunteer activities; vendors; refreshments, entertainment. Click here for a list of the agencies that have participated in the past.

How are you attracting potential volunteers to the fair?
We are tapping into a number of venues including: radio spots & on-site broadcasting, flyers & posters, churches & civic groups, email distributions.

Click here for a list of planning committee members involved in Volunteers In Living Color.

For information on volunteer opportunities available year-round, visit United Way’s Volunteer Connection.